Book Wings 2014

What is Book Wings?

Collaborative bilingual digitally-connected theatre that brings specially commissioned literary works by distinguished authors to the stage and to internet viewers around the world. This March, the University of Iowa links up with the Moscow Art Theatre (established by Stanislavsky, home stage of Chekhov) and with the University of Baghdad for two separate collaborative theatre performances. Using the latest videoconferencing technology, we'll bring together actors, playwrights, directors, dramaturges, and stages thousands of miles apart to produce two unified performances known as Book Wings Iraq and Book Wings Russia.

Building on the success of the Book Wings model pioneered in 2012 by the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program and the Moscow Art Theatre, which featured poetry, Book Wings 2013 commissioned 10-minute plays from playwrights in the Russia, China, and the United States. Now in 2014, Book Wings brings you exciting new works by writers in Russia, Iraq, and the United States performed by student actors in Iowa City, Moscow, and Baghdad.

Both performances are free, open to the public, bilingual (translation provided), and accessible worldwide via live internet stream.

Audience members and internet viewers may Tweet comments and questions for the live talk-back sessions following the events using the hashtag #bookw.

Working in conjunction with the UI Department of Theatre Arts, the Virtual Writing University, Information Technology Services, and UITV, these ambitious literary and theatrical events will connect stages thousands of miles apart, making literature fly. Interested in hosting a public viewing party to share this event with others? More information: http://www.writinguniversity.org/page/book-wings-live-streaming